On December 20, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, exchanging views on the passing of Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and the current situation on the Korean Peninsula.

Yang said safeguarding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula serves the common interests of all parties and China is ready to work with Russia toward that end.

Lavrov said Russia will continue close communications and coordination with China to maintain the peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Meanwhile, the two ministers also said their countries will further boost the China-Russia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new year.